NES Classic Edition (Nintendo Entertainment System)

After buying the SNES Classic Edition and playing it for awhile I decided to hunt down a NES Classic Edition and try it out too. Initially I couldn't find an NES Classic Edition as they were selling out the second they hit the shelves but I did eventually come across a lone console at a big box store.

What's in the Box

The NES Classic Edition box is relatively small and feels really light for a gaming console. The box has a cool retro feeling to it and is designed almost perfectly. Upon opening the box you are greeted with a retro poster that doubles as an instruction manual. There is also a warranty pamphlet included in the box. The console is wrapped in a thin plastic wrap. There is also one controller that is in a plastic wrapper too. The bottom of the box contains a HDMI cable and a USB cord as well as a power brick. The packaging is fairly solid and doesn't leave much empty space. The empty box is great for a shelf to showcase the system's features. The system costs 79.99 Canadian at the current time.

The NES Classic comes with only one controller so buying a second controller is a must if you want to take advantage of the two player games on the console. Numerous companies have made NES Classic Edition controllers but the best bang for your buck is an official Nintendo controller. The cost about 12.99 Canadian. The official controller is the exact same controller as the one that is packaged with the console.

Starting up the system

The system starts up like an original NES. You push the power button and wait for the system to power up. Once the system us powered up you are greeted with the games. Shutting down the system is just as easy you push the power button again and the system will power down and a message on the TV monitor will read shutting down. 

Navigating the Games 

The console has thirty games that can be sorted in multiple ways from release date to two player. Pushing left or right on the NES controller pad will cycle you through the games one at a time. The system has four save states for each game which are great for saving games mid-level and before a hard boss. The save states can be accessed by pushing down on the game pad when you are on your desired game. The games can be started by pressing start or A when you are on the desired game.

The Games

The thirty games on the system range from platformers to RPGs and everything in between. Mario, Zelda and Donkey Kong are all represented on the console as well as a few other famous games. The console's games also range from easy to hard. There is a game for almost everyone on this system and the fact that most of the games are short is great for casual gamers who don't have time for longer games. The selection of two player games is great and allows for an authentic feeling.

Review of the NES Classic Edition

The console is a great way to introduce your children to the games you grew up with or relive your own childhood. The game selection is great and the inclusion of all the Super Mario Bros and both Zelda 1 and 2 is perfect. Some original NES games couldn't be included on the system because of licensing. The addition of Battletoads or Ninja Turtles would have made the system all the better but we can't really complain as the game selection is great. The two player games on the console are really fun and bring or destroy families like they did in the 1980's. Dr Mario is a great two player game for those new to Nintendo. The difficulty and length of some games will upset some gamers. 

The games are approaching thirty years or older so the game play is limited and the features are lacking but this doesn't mean the games aren't fun. 

I would recommend this console for anyone who loves games like Mario, Metroid, and Zelda. If you aren't into these games I would pass on the system. The system isn't for hardcore gamers that want the newest and greatest graphics. It's basically a system for nostalgia and families. If you grew up with the NES systemor have young children then you can't go wrong with the NES Classic Edition.